Message from the Headteacher Friday 15 December 2023
Dear students and staff, parents and carers,
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33)
The mock examination period for Year 11 has now ended, and we are very proud of our students who approached this challenge in a calm, focused and determined manner. The results of their papers will be used to inform the teaching and support programme for the remainder of the year. Well done, all! Students in Years 7-9 have been attending a weekly KS3 Creative Writing club, where they develop a range of creative writing skills and are encouraged to enter national writing competitions. Arianna W, Laura D and Emily B in Year 7 entered a competition run by Young Writers called ‘This Is Me I Am’, and their entries were selected to be published in an anthology! Their poems explored their own identity, and what makes them who they are. They also entered a competition called ‘Wild Words’ for which they were asked to co-author a poem with an element of the natural world. Arianna’s and Emily’s poems have been selected to feature on their website and social media platforms! Congratulations, all!
On Tuesday this week, our U12 Cricket team travelled to Lord’s Cricket Ground with Ms Parker, to compete in the U12s Middlesex competition. The team played three games and won every single one! All our players performed strongly and improved ever more with each game they played. Afterwards, they were treated to a short tour of Lord’s and were able to enter the BBC Box and Sky Sports Centre. Their impeccable behaviour was a credit to the school. We now look forward to the next round!
Our Student Chaplain, Gloria S. in Year 13, assisted by volunteers of the Christian Union, organised a fantastic lunchtime Christmas event this Thursday. Bonnie Collington, a youth worker from Holy Trinity Clapham, was invited to speak in St Michael’s chapel on the theme of “the true hope of Christmas”. Many students attended to hear the talk – we even ran out of chairs - as well as playing games and enjoying nibbles. There was a great festive cheer overall!
Message from the Headteacher Friday 10 November 2023
Dear students and staff, parents and carers,
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)
To mark the end of Black History Month, the Diversity and Inclusion Club have created a fantastic newsletter (attached) to celebrate Black women through Art, Music, Theatre, and inspirational stories. The team has worked on this with great enthusiasm and diligence. Sixth Form prefect Maya in Year 13 has led the team and says: “These examples represent just a fraction of the immense talent and stories out there. The distinct hurdles faced by Black women underscore the significance of recognizing their accomplishments, and that is why we would like to put a particular emphasis on celebrating the achievements and stories of black women. We hope you enjoy and learn something new along the way!”
Several of our students took part in the London Schools Trampoline competition last Sunday. For many this was their first ever trampoline competition, yet they performed really well and enjoyed the experience. The Year 13 Team won second place and has qualified for the next round to represent London in the Southeast Zonal competition in January 2024. Very well done, everyone!
'A German Classic', Oxford German Network's essay competition for sixth formers, was established with the aim to stimulate interest in great German writers and influential literary works in German. We are delighted that Oreoluwa in Year 13 was awarded First Prize in this national competition, winning £500. The set text in 2023 was Franz Kafka’s Der Heizer, published in 1912/13. The judges were most impressed with the quality of the submissions overall and commented on the sophistication with which the entries engaged with this challenging text, its themes and the characters’ complex motives. They also commended the insightful use of textual evidence and the adventurous connections entrants established between the historical text and current issues. Oreoluwa’s essay was praised for its excellent insights and evocative argument. Congratulations, Oreoluwa!
The whole school community shared in an Act of Remembrance today, ahead of Armistice Day tomorrow. At 11am, the Last Post was played as students and staff stood in silence to reflect on the horrors of war and conflict. The Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl shared a prayer that they had composed for the occasion:
Heavenly father,
We pray for all who have lost their lives in war, both past and present. We remember them, and we remember their loved ones who continue to bear the burden of that loss. We are grateful for the sacrifices made by those who came before us, who laid down their lives in the name of peace.
May we not forget the countless whose names we do not know. Their lives, their hope, their dreams, which they gave so that we could know peace.
We ask that you give hope and strength to the families who have lost loved ones to conflict.
For those who are scarred by the horrors they bore witness to, we ask you to protect them and give them serenity. We think of the veterans in our lives: that we may respect and remember what they did for us.
At a time when conflict is around us, help the leaders of our world to make the right decisions and help us to see the good in each other: to love rather than hate. May we never forget the sacrifice of those who have gone before us, and may we work for peace and unity in the world.
Amen.
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We are very grateful to our Parent GUILD who generously give of their time to fundraise for the school, so that we can support a wide range of activities for our students. Please find attached a letter outlining their plans for the Carol Service and Christmas Fayre on 8 December 2023. We hope you can give them all your support and enjoy those festivities!
With best wishes,
Susanne Staab
Message from the Headteacher Friday 3 November 2023
Dear students and staff, parents and carers,
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6.38)
Congratulations go to the Y11 Charity Representatives and all GCH students who supported Year 11 charity week, raising money, and donating food to the local homeless charity, The Passage. Year 11 Charity Reps met with the Head of Fundraising at The Passage on Thursday 19th October and had the opportunity to visit the charity in person at their main building in Victoria. The frontline staff were delighted to be able to top up their storeroom and ensure they had enough nutritious food to give to their service users. The Passage couldn't stress enough how important it was to them that they could rely on our consistent support at this time of the year. We regularly support The Passage as part of our Year 11 charity fundraising and look forward to continuing these efforts. Well done, everyone!
We had a very joyful Year 7 music concert this week in which the whole of the year group participated. Students entertained their sizeable audience with several choir pieces, a joint choir and Junior Jazz Band number, and solo performances on the piano and the harp. The programme was very varied, and our budding musicians delighted with their enthusiasm, self-confidence, and talent. A great show, thank you!
Wellbeing and mental health are key to positive choices and empowerment, and we continue to upgrade our provision in school. This year, we are running additional workshops with MIND and have increased the counsellor hours in school. Today, I would like to introduce you to KOOTH. It provides free online support for young people, delivered by qualified counsellors via chat-based services. There is a parental leaflet here with FAQs. KOOTH are also running two parental webinars this half term which you may be interested in joining:
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How Kooth promotes and supports staying safe online, Mon 6 Nov, 12-1pm or 6-7pm
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Support for young people experiencing anxiety or stress this winter Thurs 14 Dec, 6-7pm
You may wish to consider KOOTH for your child either as early intervention, or whilst your child is awaiting more support, such as from MIND or CAMHs.
With best wishes,
Susanne Staab
Message from the Headteacher Friday 13 October 2023
Dear students and staff, parents and carers,
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. (Psalm 112:4)
Events in other countries can often have a significant impact on us and the communities in which we live. The war in Ukraine is still ongoing, and earlier this October, the escalation of tensions and the eruption of violence in the Middle East has shocked the world, as a humanitarian crisis is fast developing. This is a time to show sympathy, support and tolerance for those who are caught up in this long-standing dispute; and for those whose loved ones may be in danger. We pray for all those who are personally affected by these tragic events, both there and in our own school community.
World Mental Health Day was marked on 10 October. The theme for 2023, set by the World Foundation of Mental Health, is 'Mental health is a universal human right'. World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness of mental health and driving positive change for everyone's mental health. Here at GCH, we continue to support our students in many ways to build resilience and to make good choices for their physical and mental health. We address these issues in bespoke sessions in our PSHCE programme; by offering wide-ranging opportunities for getting involved in all types of extra-curricular activities, by organising workshops, and by facilitating access to MIND practitioners and our school counsellors. Our policy of no-mobile-phone-use in school also goes a long way to protecting our students’ wellbeing; and our pastoral team is exceptionally skilled and caring. For tips on how to look after your mental health, visit https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/wellbeing.
A group of our students from Years 7-11 gave an amazing performance at the England Schools Athletics Association cross-country competition. This high-level competition included mostly students who regularly compete and train with their schools or are part of an athletics club. All our students performed very well on a surprisingly hot October afternoon and did the school proud!
Twenty of our Year 12s attended the first session of their Green Futures programme with Royal Parks. They completed the first two tasks of their ASDAN Leadership qualification. They visited the sites in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens where they will lead our Year 9 students in their conservation activities in November. Attached is a photo of the Year 12s and also a Green Futures legacy project - it is a tree that our Year 9s planted in Kensington Gardens three years ago, when we started the partnership with Royal Parks. Congratulations to our students who stand for making a difference for the environment and who represent our school so well!
The Year 11 charity week was a great success, filled with fun activities for students and staff to participate in while raising funds for … staff performed enthusiastically at a lip sync event and joined in a game of rounders against a student team. We look forward to finding out the total sum raised this week!
Our school PE kit supplier, SWI Schoolwear, is offering 20% off everything between 16 October and 22nd October 2023. If you need to top up on any P.E kit items, you may wish to take advantage of this offer. Use code DEAL20 at checkout or in store, or visit www.swischoolwear.co.uk.
With best wishes,
Susanne Staab
Message from the Headteacher Friday 6 October 2023
Dear students and staff, parents and carers,
She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13)
Congratulations to Eliana in Year 10 who can be seen in the photo below receiving a military award for her work with the Air Cadets, at the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, in a ceremony and luncheon at Fishmonger’s Hall, London. Eliana is in line for a promotion to Air Cadet Corporal and will undertake a series of activities to consolidate this step by attending the London Wing Autumn Camp at Oakhampton Training Base in October. Best of luck, Eliana!
We were hugely impressed with our fantastic swimmers who competed in the London Schools’ Swimming Gala at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith. All the students performed their best and were an asset to our school. The Year 9&10 Team won both of their heats and the medley relay by quite a long way! They were Ivy, Kiera, Elizabete and Aine. The Year 7&8 Team also performed their best and were a true credit to the school. They were Emma, Anna, Maggie and Lulu. The competition was part of the English Schools’ Swimming Association with time trials taking place across the country. The top 30 teams will qualify for the Nationals. Well done, everyone – and we will watch this space!
We had another very successful Year 6 Open Afternoon this week, with prospective parents and their daughters visiting to learn about the school’s ethos, expectations, opportunities and successes, followed by a tour of the school in session. Our Year 9 helpers once more proved to be wonderful ambassadors, with one parent commenting: “ … I was even more impressed by the young women who showed us around the school - poised, confident and articulate. A true credit to your institution! I’ve been to a few open days this term, and what I witnessed at Greycoats was something truly special. A clear first choice!”
Thank you for your continued support with our rewards and sanctions system. Please remember that our expectations and rules have not changed but rather, we are streamlining the way of recording and communicating these by using EduLink One. It is also important to note that if a student has been given detention, which is now usually served on the same day that it is received, the student is expected to write the reason and the time/date in their diary, so that parents can see this information later, when they come home.
With best wishes,
Susanne Staab
Message from the Headteacher Friday 22nd Sep 2023
Dear students and staff, parents and carers,
“Wide is the gate and easy is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But narrow is the gate and harder is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
Congratulations to Amy in Year 13 who has been chosen to represent Essex in the County National Golfing Championship. She was a part of the winning team which enabled them to be in this final. The Championship takes place from Thursday 21st - Sunday 24th September, where the team will hopefully retain their national title. Good luck, Amy!
Well done to the Year 13 Geography students who have been awarded ASDAN certificates following their involvement in the Green Futures project. Below is a photo of some of the students who received their certificates at the Royal Parks Hub in Hyde Park last Thursday. This is a wonderful achievement which demonstrates the commitment and leadership of these students. Congratulations to all!
Today, we launched our theme of the year, CHOICE, through a great day of fun and celebration. Students in Years 7-11 were involved in a variety of workshops and form time activities. They also participated in a thought-provoking collective worship with Fr Myles, and received an inspirational lecture by our Guest Speaker, Lyoin Ogunbusola, who is Creative Director at Doc Martens and who spoke very eloquently about finding your talent, pursuing your dreams, and breaking the glass ceiling.
With best wishes,
Susanne Staab
Message from the Headteacher Friday 15th Sep 2023
Dear students and staff, parents and carers,
So, flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
During Academic Tutorial Day last week, 8Y visited Go Ape in Battersea Park as a reward for winning the Secret Student competition in Year 7. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the day was all the better for the excellent weather. Many students and staff conquered their fear of heights and reached the highest level of the course.
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As respiratory diseases increase in autumn/winter, please note the NHS guidance on Covid-19: “For children and young people aged 18 and under who test positive for COVID-19, the advice is to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for three days. This is because children and young people tend to be infectious to other people for less time than adults. Adults with a positive COVID-19 test result are advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, which is when they are most infectious.” The UKHSA has also published public health guidance on living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
We thank parents and carers for their positive comments and support with the new EduLink One system. As with any new system, there will be some adjustments as we take feedback from users on board. Therefore, if you have any queries or issues with EduLink One, please do not hesitate to contact us via info@gch.org.uk.
We are grateful to parents and carers for supporting and reinforcing our school rules. It is our close collaboration between school and the home which results in our students being very positively noticed, by visitors and in the wider community, for their smart appearance. Please be reminded of the following uniform rules, which are clearly stated in the student diary:
• Hair - "one natural colour (and not two tone). This includes hair extensions.”
• Jewellery - “Small, 5mm plain gold or silver stud earrings may be worn (on in each lower earlobe).”
Congratulations to Eliana in Year 10 who is an Air Cadet with 50F Squadron. Cadet life is all about challenge, excitement and adventure. Cadets have many opportunities including UK and overseas camps, leadership courses, air experience flights and pilot training. Eliana has won an award as "Cadet of the Year" and has been invited to an award ceremony at the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners. Well done, Eliana!
Year 13 students studying A level Biology visited Hyde Park to carry out practical ecology and fieldwork. Students sampled different microhabitats within an onsite pond to compare invertebrate biodiversity. Students also learnt how to carry out a belt transect to study the effects of biotic and abiotic factors and used quadrats to compare the plant biodiversity between two different areas of the park.
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The History Department organised a trip to the National Portrait Gallery. Year 12 students enjoyed a workshop on the Tudor World and spent time analysing portraits in the Tudor Gallery. Year 9 students took part in a workshop on Migration to Britain from 1500 and looked at a diverse range of portraits across many different rooms in the Gallery.
With best wishes,
Susanne Staab
School Uniform 2023-2024
The new uniform arrangements are effective from 1st June 2023 with UNIFORM4KIDS supplying the main school uniform and SW1 supplying the PE kit see below